Moss Bros looking smart as sales pick up by 5.3 per cent

MENSWEAR retailer Moss Bros said Christmas revellers getting suited and booted for the party season had helped smarten up its sales.

E commerce sales were stated as a major driver of Moss Bros profits E-commerce sales were stated as a major driver of Moss Bros' profits [PH]

The group, with 133 stores, said like-for-like sales in the 19 weeks between July 28 and December 7 were up 5.3 per cent on this time last year. Total sales for the 45 weeks to December 7 are 1.8 per cent ahead.

Chief executive Brian Brick said e-commerce sales had been a major driver, increasing 194 per cent on last year in the 45-week period. New international websites for Ireland, Sweden and Denmark have recently been launched, with plans in place to open in Australia early next year.

Suit hire sales, which were hit by a slump in wedding demand during the summer, had “stabilised” in recent weeks.

The group said evening wear demand had helped as more people held parties in the improving economy and got ready to celebrate Christmas.

Brick said: “We are encouraged by the trading momentum throughout the business which has continued into the second half of this year and we enter the important Christmas trading period in good shape. We remain confident.”

Analysts Peel Hunt said the firm was “on track”.

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